How do Lime’s ebikes make money? Share market debut sheds light on finances

From the publisher

In April, Lime brought its green ebikes and e-scooters to Canberra. Before it had even arrived, the US micro-mobility firm had spent nearly US$2m. Lime’s experience in Australia’s sprawling capital is emblematic of a broader problem at the core of a business heavy on capital outlay and light on income. The share bike operator brought in 1,500 new vehicles, which each cost US$1,300 on average. Lime also pays for staff and warehouses to store and distribute vehicles around cities. It pays to run the app that lets users hop on board. It pays to fix the vehicles as riders wear them down, vandalise or crash them. It pays permit fees…

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